Country ranks ahead of the United States and Australia among the world’s leading cotton suppliers, while Vietnam, Bangladesh and China top the list of importers
As the world’s biggest sporting event captures global attention, Brazil is also leading in another international arena. Beyond the playing field, the country is the world’s largest cotton exporter, ahead of traditional industry leaders such as the United States and Australia. At the other end of the supply chain, Asian countries lead among the world’s largest buyers of the fiber.
According to Cotton Brazil, Brazil shipped 3.219 million tonnes of cotton between August 2025 and June 2026, a volume 19% higher than in the same period of the previous season, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading cotton exporter. In the global ranking, Brazil is followed by the United States, with an estimated 2.656 million tonnes for the 2025/26 marketing year, and Australia, with 1.241 million tonnes.
On the demand side, the world’s leading cotton importers are concentrated in Asia, home to some of the world’s largest textile manufacturing hubs. Vietnam tops the ranking with 1.698 million tonnes of imports, followed by Bangladesh with 1.611 million tonnes, and China with 1.524 million tonnes.
The strength of Brazilian cotton
Brazil’s rise in the global cotton trade is driven by large-scale production, internationally recognized quality and a strategy focused on strengthening relationships with key importing markets. The country has steadily expanded its presence in regions that account for a significant share of global textile manufacturing.
This is one of the pillars of Cotton Brazil, an initiative dedicated to promoting Brazilian cotton internationally. The program aims to strengthen the image of Brazilian cotton by highlighting attributes such as quality, sustainability, traceability and supply reliability.
With this positioning, Brazil continues to strengthen its role not only as a major producer but also as a competitive and reliable source in a market increasingly focused on consistent supply, supply chain transparency and sustainable practices. Its leadership among the world’s cotton exporters reinforces the country’s relevance in a highly competitive global market where reputation, logistics efficiency and strong relationships with international buyers are key differentiators.
Global cotton exporters ranking
Brazil leads the world’s cotton exporters, ahead of the United States, a traditional industry powerhouse, and Australia, another major supplier to the global cotton market.
Top 3 global cotton exporters (2025/26)
Brazil: 3.219 million tonnes
United States: 2.656 million tonnes
Australia: 1.241 million tonnes
Global cotton importers ranking
Asian countries lead global cotton imports, reflecting their central role in transforming cotton into textile products. Vietnam, Bangladesh and China top the ranking, underscoring Asia’s strategic importance as a destination for Brazilian cotton.
Top 3 global cotton importers (2025/26)
Vietnam: 1.698 million tonnes
Bangladesh: 1.611 million tonnes
China: 1.524 million tonnes
